Bank of America : Merrill Lynch Opens Applications for Sixth Returning Talent Programme (Chester)

Applications are now open for Bank of America Merrill Lynch's Returning Talent programme in Chester. The programme aims to help people prepare for re-entering the workforce - a former stay-at-home parent or carer, or someone who chose to take a career gap to support a partner serving within the Armed Forces, for example. People who have been out of work for a year or more are invited to apply via the company's careers site. The application closing date is 31 July.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch is looking to attract individuals from a range of industry backgrounds, including professional, financial services and technology, with experience in (but not limited to) finance, business, project or relationship management, banking operations and technology. The company is specifically looking to source suitable candidates from the programme to fill positions in their Chester-based Global Technology and Operations (GT&O) team. Roles include: finance analysts, product control specialists, treasury servicing advisors, business and operations analysts, project and programme managers, and technical help desk and infrastructure support personnel.

The 2017 Chester programme seeks to build on the success of the London, Dublin and 2016 Chester offerings. Taking place on 18 and 19 September, the 2017 programme will offer 25 participants the opportunity to attend a two-day conference aimed at exploring the changing workplace and the role of the returner in this new office environment. Participants will hear from guest speakers and participate in a series of workshops designed to support a transition back to work; offer practical guidance on focusing and managing a career search; and provide executive coaching, interview skills sessions and insights into balancing work and home lives. There will also be opportunities for participants to start building their professional connections through a series of networking opportunities with bank employees.

Neeha Khurana, International Talent executive at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, said: 'The Returning Talent programme is a great example of the value and importance we place on identifying strong and diverse talent across our business. Through initiatives such as this, we are able to give people at all stages of their lives and careers the support, confidence, skills, and inspiration to succeed in the financial services marketplace. Following the success of last year's inaugural programme in Chester, we are very excited about the talent we will find in 2017.'

Lata Ravle, a 2016 Returning Talent participant who has since joined the company's Banking and Markets Operations team, said: 'I found last year's programme to be incredibly motivating. After an eight-year break from financial services, Returning Talent provided me an ideal platform to meet people with different areas of expertise who were in the same boat as me. I am now working with a great team of people here at the bank, and I feel a sense of pride and achievement in what I've already accomplished. My advice to others is that it is never too late to progress your career. I definitely recommend Bank of America Merrill Lynch's Returning Talent programme to people who perhaps need that little push to pursue their career goals and dreams.'

Six years ago, Bank of America Merrill Lynch pioneered one of the first returner programmes for experienced professionals - mainly women. The company's progress in this area, as well as its ongoing commitment to develop its female talent, won it the 2015 Workingmums.co.uk's Top Employer Award for Career Progression. The company has an established alumni network of past Returning Talent participants, allowing them to keep in touch, network and share experiences and knowledge.

Notes to Editors:

• Returning Talent Dates and Application Details:

• • Click here to complete the application form and attach your CV by 31 July.

  • All sessions will be hosted at Bank of America Merrill Lynch's Chester offices.

• Chester Returning Talent Conference: 18-19 September, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch has had a presence in Chester since 2008 and is the company's second-largest operational hub in EMEA, after London. Approximately 85 per cent of the Chester workforce is employed within GT&O, and in November 2013, it became home to the company's third Global Command Centre, joining existing centres in the U.S. and Singapore.

GT&O comprises Global Markets Operations and Middle Office (GMOMO), Global Wholesale Banking and Operations, Chief Technology Office and Global Information Security. Within GMOMO, the Derivatives and FX Operations teams process in excess of 5 million cash flows a month, with total values in the order of US$60 trillion. The Futures and Options group is the fifth-largest Futures broker in Europe and manages US$19 billion of open interest, clearing 1.9 million contracts on a daily basis. Other Chester-based support functions include Finance, Business Continuity, Compliance, Risk, Legal and Human Resources.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 47 million consumer and small business relationships with approximately 4,600 retail financial centers, approximately 15,900 ATMs, and award-winning digital banking with approximately 35 million active users and more than 22 million mobile users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

'Bank of America Merrill Lynch' is the marketing name for the global banking and global markets businesses of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, leasing, equipment finance and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, strategic advisory, and other investment banking activities are performed globally by investment banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation ('Investment Banking Affiliates'), including, in the United States, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp., both of which are registered broker-dealers and members of SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp. are registered as futures commission merchants with the CFTC and are members of the NFA. Investment products offered by Investment Banking Affiliates: Are Not FDIC Insured * May Lose Value * Are Not Bank Guaranteed.

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Reporters May Contact:
Elizabeth Wood, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, +44 (0)20 7995 7731
elizabeth.wood@baml.com

Sally Herd, Burson Marsteller, +44 (0)20 7300 6151
sally.herd@bm.com